Internship opportunities
The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a children’s museum located in Glen Oak Park. The PlayHouse offers 8,000 square feet of exhibit space with hands-on, interactive exhibits which showcase the industry, culture, and natural environment of Peoria and Central Illinois. In addition to permanent exhibits, the PlayHouse also offers a number of workshops and programs for families, kids, and adults.
Successful interns are innovative thinkers and leaders who are outgoing to possess a commitment to diversity and excellent customer service in support of PlayHouse goals.
TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS:
Please complete the PlayHouse Intern Application Form to apply for PlayHouse Internships. (PDF version of the form is available here.) Contact Jake Guzan at jguzan@peoriaparks.org with additional questions.
MARKETING INTERN, SUMMER 2020
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Help promote the museum and boost social media through posts that connect the museum mission and programs to trending / popular topics.
- Set goals for views, engagement, and conversion rates on social media and in e-blasts.
- Review social media, constant contact, and website data to improve marketing.
- Make recommendations for social media content creation that account for a small museum’s realistic capacity.
- Help create systems that will continue to support and boost the museum in the future.
- Work with marketing and data expert advisors from around the country; help engage and grow this group through active listening and feedback, and strong follow up.
- Attend PlayHouse staff and marketing meetings (by Zoom).
- Be an active member of a small but highly engaged and collaborative team.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Coursework and experience in marketing, in particular on digital platforms.
- Knowledge of and experience in social platform analytics, and how to use these to inform marketing strategies.
- Interest in the work of children’s museums / community non-profits. Previous museum experience is not required.
- All intern placements are contingent upon the successful completion of screening requirements including a background check. Please be sure to fill out application in addition to sending resume and cover letter.
INTERNSHIP DATES AND HOURS:
Mid-May - mid-August (flexible). Summer interns are expected to work between 20 and 25 hours per week.
VIDEO EDITING INTERN, SUMMER 2020
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Edit virtual program videos and other videos as needed. Examples can be seen here and here.
- Work with volunteer participants and PlayHouse staff to improve videos as we go along.
- Upload videos to PlayHouse files, YouTube, and Facebook.
- Research and find additional photos/ images as needed for use in videos.
- May also include:
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Some experience editing videos.
- Knowledge of and access to video editing software.
- Interest in videos for children and families, and/or museum and cultural video programming.
- The ability to complete tasks independently.
- The ability to communicate clearly both in conversation and through the video medium.
- Able to work collaboratively and receive feedback and make changes to work.
- Previous museum experience is not required.
- Applicants must be upper-level undergraduate (sophomore, junior or senior) or graduate level.
- All intern placements are contingent upon the successful completion of screening requirements including a background check. Please be sure to fill out application in addition to sending resume and cover letter.
INTERNSHIP DATES AND HOURS:
Mid-May - mid-August (flexible). Summer interns are expected to work between 15 and 20 hours per week.
MONTICELLO EDUCATION INTERN, 2020-2021
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate field trips, including:
- Communicate with teachers interested in booking field trips.
- Complete field trip bookings in museum calendar and in the museum’s booking system.
- Assist in setup and facilitation of interactive field trip experiences, including leading selected field trips.
- Assist with education events and programs; design activities or components of programs.
- Assist with booking additional programs, including birthday parties and rentals, as needed.
- Attend PlayHouse staff meetings.
- Follow and support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- College degree is required. Degree in Education, Museum Studies, Art or Early Childhood Development a plus.
- Experience in a formal or informal educational setting working with children 0-9 years of age. Previous experience in a museum or with customer service is a plus.
- Must have excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Experience or desire to work with a highly diverse audience in a busy atmosphere.
- Must have experience or interest in working with children and families in an informal educational setting.
- Ability to interact positively and spontaneously with visitors.
- Knowledge of basic telephone and PC functions including Microsoft Office.
- Ability to contribute to an atmosphere of teamwork and positive energy among staff and volunteers.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with a minimal degree of supervision.
OTHER:
- Stipend is $15,000 for one-year internship, to be paid in increments every 2 weeks.
- Typical work hours are assigned and performed on weekdays, 9am – 4pm, but may include some evening and weekend hours. 28 hours per week. Intern may also opt to conduct unpaid travel/research time with expenses paid for by the Park District up to $1,000.
- Reports to the Education Manager.
- This internship has a study/research component, which includes the opportunity to travel to other museums and meet with staff there, and / or attend regional conferences.
- If you are interested in applying for this internship, visit our online career site at https://peoriaparks.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ Here you can apply for an internship by clicking on the General Park District Employment posting to specify the internship and complete an application.